Visible Reduction in Swelling- How A Novel Lymphedema Garment Promotes Patient Adherence with Beneficial Effects.

Patient adherence throughout the course of lymphedema treatment is critical to achieve optimal outcomes. Barriers to patient adherence with compression garments include difficulty donning, limited dexterity, and uncomfortable all-day wear. Current practice such as compression bandages, applied by a healthcare professional, do not allow for independent adjustments by the patient as volume reduction occurs. This results in more frequent visits for adjustment and removal and limits patient involvement in their own care. To allow the patient more opportunity to engage in their own care, a novel maintenance garment was designed to provide containment for the lower extremity, while massaging fibrotic tissue to promote fluid movement. The garment is a channeled, low-profile chip foam liner paired with an outer inelastic wrap. The garment is designed for 10cm of adjustability that is easy for the patient to reapply as often as needed to maintain consistent compression. The design of this garment provides improved donning and comfort and encourages independent use -thereby empowering the patient to participate in their own care. A feasibility test of the novel compression garment was conducted with 7 patients to collect insights on adherence and clinical observations. 86% of patients reported that the garment was easy to apply with 100% reporting an accurate fit with no gaps or buckling. Most patients also reported up to 22 hours of continuous wear. Comfortability and independent use showed a correlation between adherence and positive clinical observations. Feasibility testing resulted in 6 out of 7 patients reporting a visual reduction in swelling after wearing the garment. Independent wear allowed for patient adherence throughout day and night which leads to positive clinical observations such as a reduced visible swelling in the lower extremity.